COVID-19 Vaccine

VIP is now offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to eligible patients, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health.

In New York State, you can use the “Am I Eligible” app and https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ to use to check your eligibility and schedule. New York State also has a vaccination hotline you can call to schedule a vaccine: 1-833-NYS-4VAX (1-833-697-4829).

As the state guidelines expand—and as the supply of the vaccine delivered to VIP increases—we will offer the vaccine to additional eligible patients.

For more information on getting the COVID-19 vaccine at VIP, please go to: https://www.vipservices.org/covid19vaccine/

Flu Vaccine

Flu (influenza) is a seasonal upper airway and lung infection that causes fever and a cough or sore throat. It is most common during the fall and winter months. Every year, about 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu.

As the flu and COVID-19 will likely circulate at the same time this season, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever. Although the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help decrease the risk of you and your family getting sick and needing flu-related medical care.

Take Care Hotels

The NYC Test & Trace Corps will make sure that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and their close contacts will have the resources needed to safely separate in a hotel, free of charge, or at home to help prevent the spread of the virus. NYC Test & Trace Corps Contact Tracers can refer to the hotel program or anyone can call 1-212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) to book a room.

Take Care Hotels are FREE, Safe, Comfortable, and Convenient.

New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to the virus can qualify for a FREE hotel room for up to 10 days to safely separate and protect their loves ones.

You may be eligible for a Take Care Hotel, even if you have not received your COVID-19 test results or a call from the Test & Trace Corps.

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Separate! COVID-19 transmission is common in households, and it happens fast among families and roommates living together.

Learn about free hotel rooms at Take Care hotels.

Stay Informed

You can get real-time updates and relevant information on a variety of health topics through our texting services. Message and data rates may apply. Text 877-877 (unless otherwise noted) with any of the following keywords to start receiving notifications:

  • “FLU”: Flu vaccine locations near you.
  • “COVID” (text 692-692): Updates on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • “COVEREDNYC”: Guidance on enrolling in health insurance.
  • “SOGOOD”: Find farmers markets near you and learn if they accept EBT/SNAP.
  • “TALK”: Tips on talking, reading and singing to your infant.
  • “MILK”: Weekly breastfeeding tips and information.
  • “EI”: Service updates about the Early Intervention program.
  • “TESTNYC”: Low- and no-cost HIV testing locations near you.
  • “CARE”: HIV treatment services.
  • “BEACH”: Updates about beach advisories and closures.
  • “LIVER”: Your risks for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and where to get tested and treatment.

To get more information about the above services, text “HELP”. You can opt out of any of these services by texting “STOP”.

Face Coverings/Masks

  • People that have no symptoms can still spread COVID-19.
  • A face covering is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
  • A state order requires everyone over age 2 who can medically tolerate a face covering to wear one when outside their home if unable to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others.
  • We strongly recommend wearing a face covering as much as possible when you are with other people in an indoor setting that is not your home, even if 6 feet of distance can be maintained.
  • Continue to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others even when wearing a face covering.
  • Do not use a face covering with an exhalation valve.
  • A face shield cannot be used instead of a face covering
  • Do not use N95 respirators, as they remain in short supply. It is essential that we save N95 respirators for our health care workers.

For additional info, go here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/resources/facecoverings.page

COVID-19 Testing

We are conducting COVID-19 testing at our main health center. The viral test is a nasal swab test that tells you if you have a current infection. Tests are given to people with active symptoms of COVID-19.
Please call us first to make an appointment. Call 718-466-8244. Most insurance carriers cover 100% of the costs of testing, and we offer a sliding fee scale for people who don’t have health insurance. We can also help you enroll in health insurance if you’re currently uninsured.

Stop the Spread

Crime and Safety

Domestic violence is never acceptable. NYC HOPE can connect you to resources to help you or a loved one experiencing dating, domestic, or gender-based violence: LEARN MORE

NYC Human Rights Law: Call 311 to report any COVID19 related discrimination to the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Call 911 if you are a victim of or witness a hate crime: LEARN MORE

Workplace protection and workplace laws: Update about Workplace Laws as NYC Seeks to Stop the Spread of COVID-19: LEARN MORE

Police Department: How to report a crime, including sexual violence crimes: LEARN MORE

Price gouging: Price gouging is illegal. Information for consumers found here LEARN MORE

Food and Nutrition

During the COVID-19 public health crisis, New York City is taking steps to make sure every New Yorker has access to the food they need.

GetFoodNYC: Free Food Locations

Map of food resources across the city, including free food pantries and Grab & Go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need, as well as grocery stores and farmer’s markets locations.

P-EBT

Learn about P-EBT, $420 per child in money for groceries coming to all NYC public school families, in multiple languages. CLICK HERE to read more.

AccessNYC

Find out if you may be eligible for food benefits including SNAP and WIC, and learn how to apply: access.nyc.gov/

Cooking at Home

Our supply chain is strong, but it is changing to adapt, and during this time, we may need to think more creatively in the kitchen. The City of New York is sharing tips and ideas from New York chefs to help get you started.

NYC Food Delivery Assistance

If you cannot go out to get food, no one can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options, New York City will deliver emergency meals to you in the coming days. Check your eligibility and sign up.

More resources:
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/contact/services/COVID-19FoodAssistance.shtml

Education

School Buildings will remain closed for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.

Free Children’s Book

Free children’s book to teach young people about Coronavirus:

https://stayhome.candlewick.com/

Pet Support

Pet owners impacted by COVID-19 can call NYC’s Pet Hotline at 1-877-204-8821 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, to get the assistance you need for your four-legged family member.